Protest on U.S. Tax Policies, Pay Raises Is Spray-Painted on Rep. Michel House

An angry constituent of House Minority Leader Robert H. Michel (R-Ill.) is using the lawmaker’s house as a billboard to express displeasure with federal tax policies and pay raises.

For the second time in nine months, a vandal has painted messages across the front of Michel’s home of more than 35 years in this central Illinois city.

“Cut Taxes, Deficit” and “Repeal -- Stolen Pay Raise” were sprayed in green paint on the front of the house. A dollar sign was painted on the door.

“It’s one thing for people to disagree with you on the issues of the day, but to take it out on personal property, it’s kind of disgusting,” said Ray LaHood, chief of staff for Michel.

He called the vandals “the more fringe or radical element” and said Michel was angry and disappointed about the incident, which happen when Michel was in Washington.

Similar vandalism occurred in February. The words “Pay Raise Thief” and “Cong. Thief Drunk” were sprayed in green paint on the house. No arrests were made.

The second message apparently refers to Michel’s involvement in a two-car wreck Jan. 20 in Rancho Mirage, Calif. Both he and the other driver had been drinking, but authorities said alcohol was not responsible for the crash.

Michel is unopposed in his bid for re-election to a 16th term in the House. The 33-year veteran of Congress has been Republican floor leader since 1980.